BUSINESS INSIGHTS | Sponsored by SomerCor Stronger Together: Business Service Organizations Join Forces to Support Entrepreneurs According to a recent Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voice Survey, 80% of small businesses reported difficulty accessing affordable capital. Despite this challenge, 78% of those surveyed plan to grow their business in 2025 and half expect to create new jobs. To meet the capital needs of small businesses, service organizations must be creative in expanding their impact and improving outcomes. This moment presents an opportunity for leaders across the small business ecosystem to join forces and better serve entrepreneurs. SomerCor is proud to be on the front lines of this effort, forging new partnerships to increase access to capital through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 program and other financing options. SBA 504 Loan Program as an Economic Development Tool The SBA 504 loan program is one of the most popular financing programs offered by the SBA. This business friendly financing provides a long-term, fixed rate option for business owners to build, buy, and refinance fixed assets - like commercial real estate and heavy equipment. Key borrower-friendly features of the SBA 504 loan include: Low down payment - up to 90% financing for established businesses; Below-market interest rates - lower, more affordable monthly mortgage payments; Long-term fixed rates - 10, 20, or 25 year terms with no surprise balloon payments. The SBA 504 loan program plays a vital role in supporting small business owners and fostering community growth. By offering affordable financing options for real estate and fixed assets, it empowers entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to local economic development. Investment Impact through Partnerships Expanding service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the small business community is not new for SomerCor. As a U.S. Small Business Administration certified development company (CDC), SomerCor is committed to investing in economic development initiatives beyond the SBA 504 program. Currently, SomerCor administers two major grants on behalf of the City of Chicago: the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF), and the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF). Since the SBIF's launch in 1999, SomerCor has facilitated over $170 million in investment in Chicago's commercial corridors through these programs. SomerCor Joins Newly Formed Aurora Regional Economic Alliance SomerCor's newest partnership is with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance). Long known as a center of industry, Aurora is rapidly evolving into a hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Alliance supports and complements Aurora's development initiatives by marketing the city's competitive advantages and supporting existing businesses. By pairing SomerCor's expertise in SBA 504 lending and grant administration with the Alliance's strong local presence and focus on inclusive growth, the partnership aims to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and financing they need to succeed. Looking ahead, SomerCor is eager to build internal momentum - and set an example statewide - by maximizing impact through creative partnerships. In times of economic uncertainty, collaboration is critical to helping more businesses grow - sparking a chain reaction of job creation, infrastructure improvement, and widespread prosperity across communities. Visit www.somercor.com and www.auroraregionaleconomicalliance.org to learn more about their programming and partnership. Manuel "Manny" Flores - President & CEO, SomerCor somercor ACCREDITED SBA 504 LOAN LENDER PROGRAM Expand Your Business with an SBA 504 Loan Get the affordable, long-term financing you need to buy, build, or refinance commercial real estate or equipment for your business. The SBA 504 loan offers competitive rates and flexible terms - helping you invest in your future without sacrificing working capital. Why Choose the SBA 504? Lower interest rates Fixed 20 or 25 year terms Lower monthly payments Improve cash flow Payment predictability Use 504 REFI to access equity Let's Talk About Your Business Financing Needs Contact the SomerCor team today at 312-360-3300 or hi@somercor.com and discover how the SBA 504 loan can support your business growth. Scan the QR Code to learn more at SomerCor.com SomerCor proudly serves Illinois, Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin, and Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties in Indiana. BUSINESS INSIGHTS | Sponsored by SomerCor Stronger Together : Business Service Organizations Join Forces to Support Entrepreneurs According to a recent Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Voice Survey , 80 % of small businesses reported difficulty accessing affordable capital . Despite this challenge , 78 % of those surveyed plan to grow their business in 2025 and half expect to create new jobs . To meet the capital needs of small businesses , service organizations must be creative in expanding their impact and improving outcomes . This moment presents an opportunity for leaders across the small business ecosystem to join forces and better serve entrepreneurs . SomerCor is proud to be on the front lines of this effort , forging new partnerships to increase access to capital through the Small Business Administration ( SBA ) 504 program and other financing options . SBA 504 Loan Program as an Economic Development Tool The SBA 504 loan program is one of the most popular financing programs offered by the SBA . This business friendly financing provides a long - term , fixed rate option for business owners to build , buy , and refinance fixed assets - like commercial real estate and heavy equipment . Key borrower - friendly features of the SBA 504 loan include : Low down payment - up to 90 % financing for established businesses ; Below - market interest rates - lower , more affordable monthly mortgage payments ; Long - term fixed rates - 10 , 20 , or 25 year terms with no surprise balloon payments . The SBA 504 loan program plays a vital role in supporting small business owners and fostering community growth . By offering affordable financing options for real estate and fixed assets , it empowers entrepreneurs to expand their businesses , create jobs , and contribute to local economic development . Investment Impact through Partnerships Expanding service offerings to meet the evolving needs of the small business community is not new for SomerCor . As a U.S. Small Business Administration certified development company ( CDC ) , SomerCor is committed to investing in economic development initiatives beyond the SBA 504 program . Currently , SomerCor administers two major grants on behalf of the City of Chicago : the Small Business Improvement Fund ( SBIF ) , and the Neighborhood Opportunity Fund ( NOF ) . Since the SBIF's launch in 1999 , SomerCor has facilitated over $ 170 million in investment in Chicago's commercial corridors through these programs . SomerCor Joins Newly Formed Aurora Regional Economic Alliance SomerCor's newest partnership is with the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance ( Alliance ) . Long known as a center of industry , Aurora is rapidly evolving into a hub for technology , entrepreneurship , and innovation . The Alliance supports and complements Aurora's development initiatives by marketing the city's competitive advantages and supporting existing businesses . By pairing SomerCor's expertise in SBA 504 lending and grant administration with the Alliance's strong local presence and focus on inclusive growth , the partnership aims to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and financing they need to succeed . Looking ahead , SomerCor is eager to build internal momentum - and set an example statewide - by maximizing impact through creative partnerships . In times of economic uncertainty , collaboration is critical to helping more businesses grow - sparking a chain reaction of job creation , infrastructure improvement , and widespread prosperity across communities . Visit www.somercor.com and www.auroraregionaleconomicalliance.org to learn more about their programming and partnership . Manuel " Manny " Flores - President & CEO , SomerCor somercor ACCREDITED SBA 504 LOAN LENDER PROGRAM Expand Your Business with an SBA 504 Loan Get the affordable , long - term financing you need to buy , build , or refinance commercial real estate or equipment for your business . The SBA 504 loan offers competitive rates and flexible terms - helping you invest in your future without sacrificing working capital . Why Choose the SBA 504 ? Lower interest rates Fixed 20 or 25 year terms Lower monthly payments Improve cash flow Payment predictability Use 504 REFI to access equity Let's Talk About Your Business Financing Needs Contact the SomerCor team today at 312-360-3300 or hi@somercor.com and discover how the SBA 504 loan can support your business growth . Scan the QR Code to learn more at SomerCor.com SomerCor proudly serves Illinois , Kenosha and Rock counties in Wisconsin , and Jasper , Lake , Newton , and Porter counties in Indiana .